Piraeus, the largest port in Greece

Piraeus is situated in the west of the district of Attica, about 5 km from the centre of Athens. Much of Athens's industry is located at Piraeus and the city is a major settlement. The port is a busy transit location for both goods and passengers. Ferries for the islands of Greece leave from the port and it is connected to Athens by the metro line.

The area on which Piraeus stands has been inhabited since 2600 BC. The city was originally planned by the architect Ippodamos from Melos, and was built in the 5th century BC. Wall defences were built around the port 493–79 BC. Later, Pericles completed the fortification by building the Makra Teichi (the Long Walls) which protected both sides of the road between Athens and Piraeus. The area went into a state of decline from 395 BC onward, and was only revived in the early 19th century AD. In the intervening period the port was rarely used, except by pirates and invading enemies. The recovery of Piraeus began in 1829, and in 1834 the port was rebuilt using the original plans. During World War II, the port suffered extensive damage from both German, and subsequently Allied, bombing of the harbour and the boats moored in it. When the occupying German army left Piraeus they attempted to blow up the port on their retreat; resulting in its near-destruction. Beautiful Neoclassic buildings, hopefully some of them have been saved, are standing out with their prominence and brightness. Yet these ones among them, which have been reconditioned, are standing firm, proud like, ringed with the glamour of another past. The most distinguished among them is the Municipal Theatre of Piraeus, built in 1884, designed by John Lazarides. It is really an architectural jewel of Piraeus. The building of Ernest Chiller (German architect), built in 1876 which is found at Alexandra square, the Chatzikyriakio orphanage for girls, built in 1883, the N.A.T. office building, the Nursing House of Piraeus, the old Post Office, the building of Metro Station, the summer resort of drink maker Metaxa, the building of the French institute (home of C. Strigos) and a lot of other old buildings at Kastella.